‘Beyond the here & the now’

Manila’s smart art set gathered at Patrick Reyno’s Now Gallery in Makati City to toast Michelle Pérez, who opened her debut show of modern abstract paintings titled Essential.

Produced over five years in Sydney, Australia, the 24 vivid and strikingly colorful works mesmerized a thick crowd of guests.

Admiring the paintings were Lorna Laurel with granddaughter Alessandra Lopez, Jojo Guingona with daughter Ina, Ambassador Ching Escaler, Mark Escaler, Johnny Escaler with wife Charlene and son Max, Patrick and Minena Garcia, Anton Barretto and Bettina Osmeña.

Weng Domingo chatted with Raby and Tang Singson over sumptuous finger food by La Tasca, while Art Fair Philippines’ Trickie Lopa and Lisa Periquet mingled with Marivic Puyat-Limcaoco and daughter Georgia, Lisa Lorenzo-Uy, Rhona Lopa-Macasaet, lawyers  Mela Bengzon, Mio Ozaeta and Tony Abad.

Doctors Ramon Diaz and wife Zontie, Dr. John Gomez and wife Chelo greeted Gerry de Jesus and wife Tina, Dr. Gap Legazpi and wife Tina, Dr. Carlos Magsanoc and Dr. Paolo Lorenzo and wife Pilar huddled amid the bright streaks and dots of color.

Taking the opportunity to expose their young to the beauty and value of art were beautiful Neny Montinola with daughter Maxine and Nico Paradies; ever lively Tessa Prieto-Valdes, hubby Dennis and their youngest Athena; Christopher Bell Knight of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce with his girls Sophie and Lucy; Albert and Monica Altura with Maxine and Mandy; Marivic Puyat-Limcaoco and daughter Georgia; and Yuan and Yanna Ongpin with daughter Marianna. It was, indeed, a fun, learning experience.

Antipolo potter Lanelle Abueva Fernando said, “The vibrant colors in Pérez’s works attest the world’s beauty; there is so much motion in them that takes you beyond the here and now.” 

(Essential exhibit runs until June 28, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Now Gallery, G/F, Eco Plaza Bldg., 2305 Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati. For more information, call the gallery at 555-0683 to 84.)

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